Alien Invaders :: A New Online Course

Most of you are aware that I am a licensed teacher in Oregon. My teaching certification expires every 5 years and if I am not in the classroom I am required to take college courses to keep my license current. A year ago, just prior to renewing my certification, I took an online course through The Heritage Institute.

The Heritage Institute offers continuing education for teachers through workshops, field courses, global travel studies and distance courses. I was very impressed with the diversity of courses available as well as the professional manner in which the courses were delivered.

A few months after completing the course, I put together a course syllabus and submitted it to The Heritage Institute for consideration. To my delight, they accepted my proposal! Alien Invaders: All About Invasive Species is now listed as one of their newest course available.

If you need to renew your teaching license or are simply interested in learning more about invasive species in your area, please consider this course.

Invasive Species ~ Thursday Thirteen #19

13 Non-native Invasive Species

In anticipation of the state-wide Let's Pull Together campaign, I thought I would list a number of invasive species that are contributing to the demise of our natural resources and costing billions of dollars to control.

1. Scotch Broom - Introduced to the Pacific Northwest by early settlers as an ornamental, it forms dense stands which crowd out native species and destroy wildlife habitat. Scotch Broom has plenty of help from people to move it to new sites. Its seed is a regular hitchhiker on vehicle tires, heavy equipment, and in infested gravel. Seedpods split suddenly at maturity and eject the seeds. Also, it is reported that ants aggressively collect the seed of Scotch broom, assisting in dispersal. Birds also assist with spread, but how well the seeds survive digestion varies with the species of bird.

2. Purple Loosestrife - An invasive wetland plant that is beautiful, but dangerous. Imported in the 1800s for ornamental and medicinal uses, Purple Loosestrife poses a serious threat to wetlands because of its prolific reproduction. Unfortunately, it is still sold as an ornamental plant in many states. Purple Loosestrife has gained a strong foothold in many North American wetlands, rivers and lakes, including many in Oregon.

3. Quagga & Zebra Mussels - One of the nastiest invaders, it isn't yet found in Oregon but it's arrival is feared by biologists. An adult female zebra mussel is one of the most reproductive organisms in the world. It may produce between 30,000 and 1 million eggs per year. These mollusks disrupt ecosystems, killing the local species primarily by out-competing them for food, damaging harbors, boats, and power plants. Water treatment plants were initially hit hardest because the water intakes brought the microscopic free-swimming larvae directly into the facilities. The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that economic losses and control efforts cost the United States about $5 billion each year.

4. Gypsy Moths - Introduced by an entomologist in Massachussets in the late 1860s. Oregon biologists are also concerned about Asian moths which have also been discovered traveling on ships and arriving at our ports. Eradication measures across Oregon have been successful in preventing the Gypsy Moth from developing a strong-hold in the state. They are 'hitchhikers' and the females lay their eggs on most anything (cars, lawn art, etc.) and are thereby transported to other areas unknowingly.

5. Himalayan Blackberry - Brought to Oregon in the late 1800s for the state's booming berry business. Although it didn't catch on as a berry crop, it has had lasting effects on our landscape and economy costing the state tens of millions of dollars a year. They are aggressive and dominate, excluding desirable plants and native animals. The difficulty in removing the significant root reserves, contributes to the reproductive success of this invasive blackberry.

6. English Ivy - Brought to Oregon to decorate gardens and hanging baskets. As ivy climbs a tree it chokes out the host and contributes to the loss of biodiversity.

7. Nutria - Brought to the United States in the 1800s for the fur market. They were introduced to Oregon in the 1930s just before the market crashed. Nutria are prolific feeders (eating the rushes, sedges, and bullrushes that filter the wetland water) and avid burrowers (contributing to erosion).

8. Oriental Weatherfish & Banded Killifish - Many introduced species are the result of illegally dumped aquarium fish. Both species can impact native species by direct predation or competition for food sources.

9. Feral Pigs - Feral Pigs carry diseases that spread to wildlife and domestic animals, destroy native plants, and damage agricultural crops.

10. Bullfrogs - Eating anything that moves and that will fit into their mouth, bullfrogs are voracious predators. Introduced into Oregon as a sport and food source in the early 20th century, they have been here so long, many people don't realize they are invasive.

11. European Beach Grass - Originally planted as a dune stabilizer along Oregon's beaches, European beachgrass is an aggressive colonizer of beach areas that forms a dense mat of grass and rhizomes, unlike any of the native dunemat species. The beachgrass captures sand, decreasing natural sand movement, and causing the dunes to increase in height. As the dunes increase in height and the normal ocean breeze diminishes behind the dunes, a new microclimate develops that is no longer suitable for dunemat species. Succession ensues toward more inland native coastal vegetation types and colonization by other exotic plant species, until the integrity of the entire native dunemat ecosystem is threatened.

Areas heavily infested with beachgrass are unsuitable as habitat for nesting snowy plovers. These marine birds require areas of open sand or low, native dunemat vegetation for nesting. The snowy plover is a federally listed, threatened species. Areas infested with beachgrass are also unsuitable as habitat for three sensitive plant species: beach layia (Layia carnosa) [also federally listed as endangered], Wolf's evening primrose (Oenothera wolfii) and pink sand verbena (Abronia umbellata ssp.brevifolia).

12. European Starlings - The nation-wide distribution of Starling are the descendants of about 100 birds introduced to New York's Central Park in 1890 by a society desiring to introduce all of the birds mentioned in the works of Shakespeare. Flocks of these birds destroy crops and eat cattle feed, costing agricultural farmers $800 million dollars yearly in preventative measures and damage control.

13. Western Pine Bark Beetle - These small beetles aggressively attack and kill Ponderosa Pine trees and other conifers of all ages and vigor, including apparently healthy trees. Group killing of trees is common in dense, overstocked stands of pure, even-aged, young sawtimber but also occurs among dense clumps of pine in stagnating mixed-conifer stands. One million or more trees containing more than 1 billion board feet of timber may be killed each year during an outbreak. Such extensive tree killing may deplete timber supplies, adversely affect levels and distributions of stocking, disrupt management planning and operations, and increase forest fire danger by adding to available fuels. Click here for images.

I encourage you to become familiar with the invasive animals and plants in your area and to do your part to prevent further distribution.

For more information, click upon the following link.

Invasive Species of Oregon



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A Few Degrees Can Make All the Difference

I headed out yesterday afternoon for a moderately long run (10-12 miles) with 10 minutes of total uphill time. The kiddos had a scheduled playdate next door and the weather was beautiful... about 72 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. The past few weeks, it has been cold and a little overcast so I forgot how much difference a few degrees can make on my overall performance.

I opted to do my run on the river trail. It is quite hilly... in fact, there are 3 significant hills. One of which rises 180 ft in just 4 tenths of a mile. It is a doozy! Sometimes I think I can walk it faster than I can run it. At the 3.5 mile mark, I stopped at the park to drink a little water. I'd forgotten that the fountains have been turned off so I had to cup my hands in the restroom sink. Along the way, I stopped twice more to drink directly from the river. I know it is a very healthy river ... nonetheless, I picked up a rock and investigated the little inverts that clung to its surface. Dragonfly nymphs. Stonefly larvae. Planaria. Lots of critters proclaiming a healthy ecosystem. :)

When I popped back up onto the road, the Garmin read 7.5 miles. My heart really wanted to continue to at least 10 as prescribed but my head prevailed and I opted to head home. My mouth was so dry. I knew I really needed to rehydrate. In the end, I covered 8.3 miles with about 11 minutes of total uphill time. My average pace was 10 minutes per mile.

As a I walked around the block to cool down, I stopped to chat with a neighbor who was doing yardwork. The other day she borrowed Pfitz "Advanced Marathoning" and a few running magazines. I asked her if she had had time to read anything. She said yes and had even picked up a few more from the library. She has decided she would like to run a marathon and is strongly considering Chicago '08. She plans to begin training in November. I am excited for her. I hope that we'll be able to run together sometime. It will all depend on childcare, though. Her kiddos are in junior high (in fact, her oldest is our babysitter) and her schedule is therefore more flexible.

I'd love to run Chicago. We shared briefly how fun it would be to go together - as a girl's weekend getaway. She has a couple of friends that plan to meet her there (one to run, one to cheer). I told her of my Portland running buddy and that she may also be interested (How about it, Kong?). We'll see. It will depend on how things go at CIM in December... at Eugene in May.

I want to qualify to run Boston. However, I have come to accept that I must be patient. All good things come to those who wait (and train and train and train). :)

Blog Action Day 2007

For many years now, I have been intrigued by alien invasions. Not little green men from outer space or scary monstrous beings but silent invasions of plants and animals here on earth. In the late 1990s, I had an unique opportunity to work for the local soil and water conservation district. In this role, one of my responsibilites was to write and distributie a county-wide newsletter informing landowners of sustainable land-use practices and share topics related to the environment. This is one of those articles.

Controlling Noxious Weeds

Generally, the term weed is used to describe any plant that is unwanted and grows or spreads aggressively. The term exotic weed describes an invasive, unwanted, non-native plant. Terms such as invasive weed or noxious weed are used somewhat interchangeably to refer to weeds that infest large areas or cause economic and ecological damage to an area. The term "noxious" weed has legal ramifications in some states that maintain official lists of noxious weeds. What is considered a weed in one area may not be a weed in another.

Upsetting the Balance
Native plants evolved over millions of years to fill unique ecological niches. What we know as weeds today (non-native, ecologically damaging plants) did not exist in the wilderness then. These plants developed in and are native to other countries. Like our native plants, they are kept in check in their native environment by insects or diseases and by competition with other species. In order to survive in their native ecosystems, many plants develop characteristics that make them especially hardy.

Early European settlers in North America inadvertently brought weed seeds with them, perhaps in the hay they brought for their animals or in the dirt they used as ballast for their ships, or even in their clothes or bedding. Some activities, such as clearing the land, opened up niches that created places for weeds to grow. Settlers also purposely brought plants from their "home country" to seed areas, make dye for clothing, and use as ornamental plants.

Without their natural enemies, some non-native plants became invasive, reducing the diversity and quantity of native plants. Weeds are continuing to spread rapidly in many areas across the country. Weeds spread to an estimated 4,000 acres (over 6 square miles) each day on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service. But weeds know no boundaries. They also are spreading on private and park lands.

Looks Can be Deceiving
Weeds take over important habitat areas for wildlife, devastating shelter and forage while reducing the diversity and quantity of native plants. When weeds do not hold and protect the soil the way native plants do, erosion increases, causing sediment in streams, which can hurt fish populations and water quality. Weeds are often less resistant to wildfire than are native plants. Weeds also reduce land values, causing damaging economic impacts to local communities. For example, weeds have a profound effect on ranching and agricultural operations because they can reduce production of forage and crops.

Controlling Weeds
Controlling weeds poses a special dilemma because, once a weed infestation is identified, it is often already so large that containment is difficult and expensive. Biological control (using organisms such as introduced insects or diseases to suppress populations) is effective in slowing the spread of weeds but generally cannot eradicate the infestation. Manually pulling weeds or using machines to dig them up is effective with smaller infestations if done carefully to avoid spreading seeds. Herbicides can be effective in controlling weeds and stopping their spread especially when infestations are detected early. Land managers generally take an integrated approach, using a combination of these methods.

A special emphasis is placed on early detection of infestations and prevention of new infestations. Educated citizens who can report these new, small infestations will make a major difference in the national effort to control the spread of invasive weeds.

For more information about noxious weeds or invasive species in general, contact your local agency or one of the following state & federal agencies.

Army Corps of Engineers
Farm Service Agency
National Association of Conservation Districts
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Oregon Association of Conservation Districts
Oregon Department of Agriculture
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Oregon Department of Forestry
Oregon Division of State Lands
Oregon State University Coos County Extension Service
Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
US Department of Agriculture

Follow the Blog Action Day icon for more articles and blog posts related to the environment.

A Salute to Barbara Morgan

While I was teaching, I was a member of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and as such, had the opportunity to attend many state and national conventions. I attended a few math and reading conventions as well, but the NSTA conventions were always more enjoyable, at least for me. There were more sessions. More engaging keynote speakers. The exhibit hall was actually a little overwhelming and I generally spent an entire afternoon browsing the booths and collecting all the freebies.

When I first started teaching, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with some remarkable science teachers in my district and the neighboring district to the south. :) One of the most influential teachers I worked with was George Tinker, the biology teacher at Marshfield (Steve Prefontaine graduated from MHS in 1969). It was through him that I learned of the many opportunities available to teachers - grants & awards, paid summer assignments (TOSAs), corporate & government teacher workshops (NASA, FDA, etc.), and community partnerships for the classroom.

I started to apply for grants and summer workshops. In June 2000, I was selected to participate in a 2-week teacher workshop at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California (all expenses paid)! It was a chance of a lifetime and it opened many doors for me. That summer marked a big transition point in my professional life - I was no longer the elementary science specialist - in the fall, I would become a 5th grade classroom teacher. It was a board decision based upon legislature funding and budget cuts - it had nothing to do with me - but I was feeling down none the less.

Interacting with other elementary teachers who had strong interests in science and meeting all the engineers and scientists at JPL (all of whom thanked us - for it was teachers like us who had inspired them to pursue careers in science) lifted my spirits.

In March of 2001, I attended the NSTA national convention in St.Louis, Missouri (most of my trip was funded by an award I received from CIBA and the Council for Elementary Science Instruction or CESI). The highlight of the trip was the CESI luncheon. Shortly after our arrival, DH and I were ushered to a table that had been reserved for us and several council members. I was introduced to Barbara Morgan and several council members. Everyone was genuinely excited to meet me. It was a strange feeling... everyone was giving me hugs and shaking my hand. The CESI/CIBA award, I learned, was their highest honor and Barbara Morgan was a past recipient.

When I was finally able to sit down and take a moment to look over the agenda, I discovered that Bill Nye was also being presented an award. There were over 400 people at this luncheon - including a few JPL teacher alumni from the previous summer. When Barbara Morgan gave her address, she said, "Isn't it wonderful to have bright, young people like ... ..... teaching?" She actually used my name!! I was so honored.

Let us all salute Barbara Morgan, a former Idaho elementary science teacher, and her launch aboard the space shuttle Endeavor. Morgan is one of seven STS-118 crewmates selected for the 11-day construction mission to the International Space Station (ISS), scheduled to launch today, Wednesday, August 8.

In the words of Bill Nye, "Science is what keeps the P B and J in teaching ... the Passion Beauty and Joy."

Read more about Barbara Morgan and her upcoming space flight.

Moon ~ Illustration Friday

I desperately desire to participate more regularly in the Illustration Friday challenges.... I can never seem to think 'outside' the box, however. And, even more so, seldom seem to have the time to sit down and actually draw. Illustrating takes so much more time than creating a scrapbook page in Photoshop. I think it's because I'm not very good at it and I'm a perfectionist. I get frustrated when I can't get the image I'm trying to protray to look just right. I spend a lot of time erasing... but more frequently, I don't even get started.

I have several 'nature journals' but few pages are actually done. I love the look of natural journals and suppose I don't work in mine because I fear I'll make mistakes. That it will look sloppy. Urgh. I really need to overcome this.

This week's theme is "Moon" - I first thought about the moon journal I started when I was teaching my 6th graders the moon phases and how the moon and sun's battle with earth causes our tides (it was a big unit that integrated many subject areas and incorporated a field trip). But, my sketches are rather dull. Mostly showing the phase of the moon in black and white. I'd love to create a new one with watercolor... hmmm.

So... I decided to go with Polinices lewisii or Moon Snail. A Gastropod that can be found in the low intertidal-subtidal region in sand/mud substrates along protected bays.

I found this one during my summer at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology in Charleston, Oregon in 1997. They plough forward with their foot just below the surface of the sand or mud. When extended, their foot is much larger than their shell (up to 4x volume of their shell). Their large, muscular foot serves as a stable platform on shifting substrate, provides a large surface for locomotion and can fold into a grasping organ to hold prey.

They are a keen predator and can locate their prey (primarily clams and other snails) by scent. They hunt in a zigzag pattern and once prey is located, they grasp it with firmly with their foot while drilling a small hole in the shell of their prey.

When a Moon Snail approaches a clam, the clam will attempt to escape by extending its own foot in rapid succession and in effect leap across the substrate in one direction or another as fast as it can. I love demonstrating to classes of children how clams attempt to escape capture by these monstrous snails. I pretend to be a clam and sit hunched up in my shell all peaceful like. I have another student pretend to be the moon snail and approach me rather slowly. When it gets close, I spring into action and leap sideways across the room. The kids always erupt in laughter. I'm sure it sticks with them. :)

[Edited 30th July 2007 - image removed to conserve space]

Camouflage ~ Illustration Friday

Hemigrapsus nudus or "Purple Shore Crab"

These small decapods are found in the middle-high intertidal region along the rocky shores of the Pacific. They prefer small rocks or gravel substrate and wedge themselves between larger boulders for protection when the tide has receded. In addition, they have a distinctively dark purple and reddish carapace that helps them to conceal themselves in the dark shadows, a perfect camouflage against its predators (most frequently seabirds). They make a distinctive clicking noise that is audible as you stroll along the intertidal.


Purple shore crabs and their shore crab cousins (Hemigrapsus oregonensus and Pachygrapsus crassipes) are very common residents of the intertidal and are commonly mistaken for one another as they share the same habitat. As the Hermigrapus nudus grows to around 5 cm, it spends the majority of its time feeding on algae and dead animals. Primarily an herbivore, they feed mainly on diatoms and green algae. However, as any scavenger, these crabs are essential in maintaining a stable habitat, by feeding upon other dead intertidal residents.

To see more participants in today's challenge, visit Illustration Friday.

Remember ~ Illustration Friday

I haven't participated in the Illustration Friday challenge for some time. Part of the reason is because the topics/themes have been too difficult. I'm typically not a 'think outside the box' type of person so I wasn't able to come up with an idea for many of the previous themes (Phoenix, Communication, Clear, and Total are just a few). The biggest reason, however, is that I just haven't had the time to actually sit down and illustrate anything. This has frustrated me because I love to draw (biological illustration is what I'm most skilled at - though, I'm certainly just an amaetuer).

Emerita analoga "Sand or Mole Crab" - pencil sketch

This week's topic is "Remember". When I read it in my email, I immediately remembered a time when I had the opportunity to draw frequently, whenever the mood struck. In the summer of 1997, I was taking classes at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology... a full load of graduate level courses: BI 551 Invertebrate Zoology, BI 507 Marine Biology Seminar, and BI 574 Marine Ecology. I loved the experience of being surrounded by serious students of the sciences & research biologists. It was so fascinating to me. As I listened to the lectures, participated in discussions, and worked on my lab report or a paper, I continually wondered why I hadn't been as 'intrigued and focused' when I was an undergrad.

"Scallop" - colored pencil

Back then, I didn't push myself to achieve high marks. I seldom actually read the reading assignments. I did what I needed to in order to simply pass the course. I suppose it had something to do with the fact that I had to work 30+ hours a week on top of my courseload of 18-20 credits (back then, my determination was more focused upon earning a dual Bachelor degree AND graduating on time - 4 years).

"Scallop" - stippled ink

The following summer, I again immersed myself in the marine science world taking additional graduate level courses: BI 508 Lab-Biological Illustration, BI 508 Lab-Drawing Natural Forms in Color, BI 508 Lab-Biology of Toxic Tides, and BI 557 Biology of Estuaries.

To see more participants in today's challenge, visit Illustration Friday.